BROOKVILLE, Pa. — The Jefferson County Historical Society held their annual meeting and dinner on Saturday, October 21, at the Pinecrest Country Club.
(Pictured above: Carole Briggs, right, presenting the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to James Sterrett.)
Forty-three people attended, including board members, staff and JCHS members.
Everyone had a chance to purchase additional raffle tickets for the Chinese auction, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres during the social hour, followed by a buffet dinner catered by Bo Lockwood of Bluewater Catering.
President Eric Armstrong welcomed all and gave an overview of the year’s activities, followed by Ken Burkett’s Year in Review, including renovation and completion of the momentous move from the old archives to the new Parker Archives, overall operations, grants received and pending grants, and the Pathstones and Intern programs that help keep us running.
Lastly, an appeal for the JCHS Annual Giving, which helps fund our exhibits and programs.
Election of Board Directors followed, with Tracy Zents, Larry Anthony and Linda Barnes being re-elected along with new member Walter Skrzypek of Falls Creek.
The Annual Awards were then presented. Ken Burkett presented the Arthur Altman award to the Wilma Gilstrap Charitable Foundation for years of being a financial patron and for a recent bequeathment.
Ken Burkett announcing Arthur Altman Award to the Wilma Gilstrap Charitable Foundation.
The Kate Scott Award was given to author and program speaker, Paul Beck of Pittsburgh, by President Eric Armstrong for his very recent book, “Earle of the Air, A Biography of Brookville’s Pioneer Aviator.”
Paul Beck, left, accepting Kate Scott Award from Eric Armstrong.
Carole Briggs presented the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to James Sterrett in recognition of his longtime contribution to the success of JCHS as a member and patron. This is the third year of giving this award.
In its second year, the Volunteer of the Year was awarded by Operations Manager Kat Lyons to Brookville High School student, Gabby McLaughlin, for her volunteer work at JCHC activities and events as a Junior Honor Society student this past year.
Operations Manager Kat Lyons, left, awards the Volunteer of the Year award to Brookville High School student, Gabby McLaughlin.
Gabby also starred in a video production “A Victorian Parlor” in full Victorian dress, which debuted at the event.
The Program featured Paul Beck who presented the story behind researching his newly published book, “Earle of the Air,” and the story of Earle Sandt and his success as a pioneer pilot and the first pilot to make an international flight over Lake Erie to Long Point Lighthouse, Ontario, Canada and back.
This book, with many previously unpublished photos of Earle and his aerial expositions, is available in the JCHC Gift Shop at 172 Main Street in Brookville, and at jchconline.org.
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